With its warm breezes and sun-kissed days, summer is the perfect time to embrace the charm of vintage dresses. There’s something truly delightful about how vintage clothing makes us feel. It is like living in the present, with a window open to the sights of the past. Vintage clothing has a unique way of adding a touch of elegance to our modern-day wardrobes.
As the temperature rises and the days stretch out lazily before us, there’s no better time to explore the endless possibilities of styling vintage dresses for the season. From breezy cotton sundresses to elegant tea-length frocks, vintage pieces offer a unique opportunity to infuse your summer wardrobe with whimsy.
Let’s discover how to effortlessly blend the magic of yesteryear with the laid-back vibes of the season ahead. This blog will highlight easy styling tips to make the most of your vintage dresses for summer.
17 Ways to Style Your Vintage Dresses for Summer
Here are a few creative tips and tricks to elevate your summer wardrobe with a hint of retro flair:
1. Mix floral prints and pastel colours
Embrace the essence of summer by incorporating floral prints and soft pastel hues into your vintage dress collection. Vintage summer dresses adorned with floral patterns carry a refreshing and vibrant energy. Pastel colours exude a gentle, feminine charm perfect for the season.
Style Tip: For a romantic summer look, opt for dresses with dainty floral prints in shades of blush pink, soft lavender, or baby blue. Pair with a chic straw hat and sandals for a charming ensemble suitable for a day out in the sun.
2. Exude chic style with a wide-brimmed straw hat.
A wide-brimmed straw hat adds a sophisticated touch to your dress and provides much-needed sun protection during the summer months. Choose a chic hat with a wide brim to shield your face and shoulders from harmful UV rays while adding an element of vintage glamour to your look.
Style Tip: Coordinate the colour of your straw hat with the accent colours in your vintage dress for a cohesive and polished ensemble. Complete the look with oversized sunglasses and a straw tote bag for a chic summer aesthetic.
3. Add a statement belt to your vintage summer dresses.
Elevate your vintage dress by adding a stylish statement belt to define your waist and achieve the iconic silhouette reminiscent of the 1950s. A bold belt accentuates your figure and adds a touch of personality and flair to your outfit.
Style Tip: Opt for a wide belt with a unique buckle or intricate detailing to add visual interest to your ensemble. Pair a vibrant, contrasting belt with a neutral-toned dress to create a striking focal point and showcase your style.
4. Use a lightweight jacket to layer.
Layer a lightweight cardigan or jacket over your vintage dress for indoor events and spaces cooled by air conditioning to stay cosy without sacrificing style. Choose vintage cotton summer dresses of breathable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes to ensure comfort and versatility.
Style Tip: Select a cropped denim jacket to layer over a floral sundress for a casual yet chic look. Roll up the sleeves and have it unbuttoned for an effortless vibe that transitions seamlessly from day to night.
5. Experiment with different footwear.
Experiment with various footwear options to complement your vintage dress and suit the occasion. Whether you prefer sandals, espadrilles, or sneakers, there are plenty of possibilities to express your style while staying comfortable during the summer.
Style Tip: Pair a midi-length vintage dress with strappy espadrille wedges for a sophisticated daytime look. Alternatively, wear a floral maxi dress with white canvas sneakers for a relaxed, trendy ensemble perfect for weekend outings.
6. Accessorize with vintage-inspired jewellery.
Complete your vintage-inspired look by accessorising with jewellery that reflects the elegance and charm of bygone eras. Vintage dresses for summer look stunning when paired with pieces like pearl earrings, delicate pendant necklaces, or vintage brooches, adding a glamorous touch to your ensemble.
Style Tip: Layer delicate gold chains with a vintage locket pendant necklace for a romantic and feminine touch. Pair with pearl stud earrings and a vintage-inspired bracelet for a cohesive and refined look that enhances the vintage aesthetic of your dress.
7. Incorporate a stylish scarf.
The great thing about a vintage scarf is that it can be worn in different ways to add flair and character to your outfit. Whether tied around your neck, worn as a headband, or draped over your shoulders, a scarf can easily amp up your look and add a playful touch to your vintage summer dresses.
Style Tip: Choose a lightweight silk scarf in a bold, vibrant print to add a pop of colour to a neutral-toned vintage dress. Tie it around the base of your neck in a loose knot, or tie a chic bow for a whimsical and feminine look that exudes retro charm.
8. Mix and match patterns.
Add visual interest to your vintage dress by mixing and matching various patterns and prints for a playful and eclectic look. Experiment with layering patterns like stripes, polka dots, or gingham to create a dynamic, eye-catching ensemble that reflects your unique style.
Style Tip: Layer a striped or polka-dot shirt underneath a sleeveless vintage dress for a fun and unexpected twist. Pair with coordinating accessories in complementary colours to tie the look together and create a cohesive outfit that’s both stylish and fashion-forward.
9. Don’t shy away from bold accessories.
Make a statement with bold accessories that add personality and flair to your vintage dress ensemble. Whether oversized sunglasses, a statement handbag, or a chunky necklace, don’t be afraid to embrace bold accessories to elevate your look and make a stylish statement.
Style Tip: Add a fun dash of colour to a monochromatic vintage dress with a bold statement necklace in a vibrant hue, such as turquoise or coral. Pair with coordinating accessories like a clutch bag and sandals to create a unified, polished look that commands attention.
10.Incorporate woven straw or rattan accessories.
Embrace the laid-back charm of summer with the addition of woven straw or rattan accessories that add texture and depth to your vintage dress ensemble. From straw hats and bags to woven sandals and belts, these natural materials evoke a sense of beachy elegance that’s perfect for the season.
Style Tip: Pair a floral sundress with a woven straw tote bag and sandals for a relaxed and effortlessly chic summer look. Complete the ensemble with bold, oversized sunglasses and a fashionable wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection and style.
11. Balance volume with fitted pieces.
Balance the volume of your vintage dress with fitted pieces to create a flattering silhouette that accentuates your figure. Whether a fitted top paired with a voluminous skirt or a tailored jacket layered over a flowing maxi dress, mixing and matching fitted and voluminous pieces adds visual interest and creates a harmonious overall look.
Style Tip: Pair a full-skirted vintage dress with a fitted crop top or bodysuit to highlight your waist and create an hourglass silhouette. Tie the look with a slim belt to cinch the waist and further define your figure, and finish with strappy sandals or heels to elongate the legs and complete the ensemble.
12. Mix vintage with modern elements.
Mix vintage-style summer dresses with modern elements to create a contemporary and fashion-forward look that reflects your style. Whether pairing a vintage dress with trendy sneakers or layering it with a leather jacket, combining vintage and modern elements adds depth and dimension to your ensemble and creates a unique and eclectic aesthetic.
Style Tip: Pair a floral midi dress with white sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual yet stylish look perfect for a weekend brunch or shopping spree. Add a crossbody bag and oversized sunglasses to complete the ensemble and add a modern flair to your vintage-inspired outfit.
13. Consider adding a petticoat with your vintage-style summer dresses.
A petticoat underneath your vintage dress adds volume and drama to the skirt and creates a retro-inspired silhouette. Petticoats are a fun and playful way to enhance the fullness of your dress and add a charming touch to your ensemble.
Style Tip: Choose a petticoat in a contrasting colour to your dress for added visual interest and dimension. Opt for a knee-length or full-length petticoat, depending on the length and style of your vintage clothing, and experiment with different layers and volumes to achieve the desired level of fullness and flounce.
14. Layer with vintage t-shirts.
Styling dresses with vintage tees can create a unique and eclectic look that blends retro charm with modern flair. Remember to select a vintage t-shirt that complements the style and era of your vintage dress.
Style tip: Layer the vintage t-shirt over or under the vintage dress, depending on the desired look. Tying the t-shirt at the waist over a flowy dress can add definition and a casual vibe while wearing it underneath can create a trendy, layered effect. Consider styling with retro sunglasses and layered necklaces to tie the look together.
15. Incorporate a statement shawl.
No matter how you style it, incorporating a statement shawl into women’s vintage dresses always adds drama and elegance to the look. Whether draped over your shoulders or carried across your arms, a shawl can elevate your look and add a dash of old Hollywood glamour to your ensemble.
Style Tip: Choose a silk shawl in a bold, vibrant print to add charm to your vintage dress. Pair with coordinating accessories, such as oversized sunglasses and statement earrings, to create a cohesive and stylish look that exudes retro charm.
16. Elevate with retro-inspired sunglasses and bold lipstick.
Elevate your vintage dress ensemble with retro-inspired sunglasses and bold lipstick to add a touch of glamour to your look. Choose sunglasses with cat-eye or oversized frames for a vintage-inspired vibe, and opt for a vibrant red or coral lipstick to make a stylish statement and enhance your overall look.
Style Tip: Pair oversized cat-eye sunglasses with a floral maxi dress and a bold red lip for a glamorous, sophisticated summer look perfect for outdoor events or rooftop parties. Complete the outfit with chic statement earrings and a clutch bag for added polish and style.
To Sum Up
Summer is the perfect time to dive into the enchanting world of vintage fashion! With a wide range of styling tips and ideas at your fingertips, there’s no better moment to indulge in the allure of vintage dresses for summer. You can find unique pieces from vintage clothing shops like Riaaj Vintage.
Ultimately, remember to exude confidence and embrace your style as you rock your vintage dresses with flair and panache all summer. You will find pieces that channel old Hollywood glamour or bohemian chic. So embrace the joy of dressing up, exude confidence, and let your unique style shine bright this summer.